More than just a tropical paradise, West Nusa Tenggara or NTB has quietly emerged as a crucial waypoint for bird migration crossing the globe. Every year, thousands of birds from as far as Siberia and East Asia glide through Indonesia’s skies, pausing to rest and feed in NTB before continuing their long journey to Australia or New Zealand.
Professor I Wayan Suana, a wildlife ecology expert from the University of Mataram, said geography in NTB makes it a key link in one of the world’s largest bird migration routes.
“Sumbawa and Moyo Island are part of the East Asian–Australasian Flyway (EAAF), one of the largest bird migration routes in the world,” Suana said, as quoted by Antara on Thursday (October 9, 2025).
The EAAF is traversed by millions of birds each year as they move between continents to escape the freezing winters of the north. Lombok’s unique position between the northern and southern hemispheres makes it an ideal rest stop, offering food, warmth, and safety.
NTB’s diverse natural environment further enhances its role in supporting these birds. From mangroves and beaches to savannas and tropical rainforests, the region provides everything migratory birds need to survive. Many birds not only rest briefly in areas such as Sumbawa and Moyo Island but also extend their stay thanks to the region’s rich food sources and suitable habitats.
Suana explained that smaller surrounding islands also play an important part, serving as natural sanctuaries during migration. He pointed to the Bagek Kembar Mangrove Ecotourism site in Sekotong, West Lombok, as one such location.
“Bagek Kembar has a wide bay area, and when the tide goes out, it turns into a feeding ground for migratory birds such as sandpipers and curlews,” said Suana, who also teaches at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the University of Mataram.
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The region is also a corridor for raptors that often pass through or rest in the hills of Mentigi and other parts of NTB. When cold weather hits the northern hemisphere, these birds fly south to seek warmer climates. Later, when the southern lands grow cold, they return north in search of new feeding grounds.
This natural cycle, Suana said, reflects how birds adapt to survive the scarcity of food during winter. Migrating to tropical areas like NTB allows them to thrive while avoiding the harsh climates of their native habitats. However, climate change has become an increasingly critical factor influencing bird migration patterns worldwide.
Experts believe that with proper conservation and management, NTB’s position on the migration map could be developed into a leading ecotourism attraction. Opportunities such as birdwatching tours, wildlife photography trips, and bird migration festivals could attract visitors from around the world.
The benefits extend beyond tourism. This growing interest in bird migration could empower local communities by creating jobs and new businesses—from training bird guides and managing eco-lodges to promoting local cuisine and crafts rooted in the island’s natural beauty. In the long term, protecting these ecosystems means preserving both biodiversity and sustainable livelihoods for the people of NTB.
